ICYMI: There was an article published recently in The Times (UK) that has caused quite a stir. And for good reason.
A columnist boldly claimed the stage and – while I won’t presume to know their intentions – the resulting article spreads dangerously misinformed views on ADHD, Autism, and the broader neurodivergent community.
In the opinon piece on disability benefits and how they are susceptible to abuse contains, the author writes, “I do not believe in ADHD at all, except as a catch-all fora whole gaggle of unrelated ways people behave…Autism is only real for asmall number of people, and a much-abused diagnosis for a huge number who are somewhere on a spectrum we’re all on.”
Yeah.
It’s as if the clock has spun backwards, landing us in a time when discrimination and mockery are not just tolerated but published with a seal of approval.
This narrative doesn’t just bruise; it warps the truth, feeding into a divide we’ve been busting our chops to close. It’s not about creating a hierarchy of existence or feeding into an outdated neurotypical vs. neurodivergent debate. This isn’t WWE’s Smackdown.
It IS about celebrating the mind’s eclectic beats and how each and every unique rhythm enriches our collective jam.
Imagine the impact these words have on someone who has just begun to understand and embrace their neurodivergence. It’s not merely an attack on their identity but a bold declaration that their struggles and their triumphs are either invisible or, worse, invalid. It’s about someone seeing their employer or a respected institution echo sentiments that undermine their very existence. It’s tell someone like me to hide my truth or brace for impact.
Let’s get one thing straight – neurodivergent folks have always been part of this crazy quilt we call society. We may be talking about it more, but we didn’t just enter the scene. Our brains dance to a different beat, yeah, but that’s exactly why we’ve got such a wild range of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills lighting up the world. To dismiss ADHD or any neurodivergence as just some “catch-all” for behaviors that are inconvenient or misunderstood? That’s not just missing the mark; it’s a full-on denial of science and respect.
It’s time for a SHIFT in all our spaces – work, home, hangouts, you name it. The goal? Places where neurodiversity isn’t just a checkbox or buzzword, but a lived reality – celebrated, embraced, valued, the kit and caboodle.
And this ^^^ ? This is where I oh-so-politely-but-enthusiastically cut in. Because this is my JAM. Armed with expertise, strategies backed by brain science, and fired the eff up for neuroinclusion, I’m living out my calling to guide organizations and teams authentically step into an era of belonging and equity – for EVERY person.
I am NOT here to judge, condemn, or create shame. Because, let’s be honest: we’ve all had enough of that to last a million lifetimes. You don’t know what you don’t know, and as long as you’re open and willing to listen and grow (and let me do the same right along with you), then we can make some freaking magic.
That being said…articles and conversations like this – full of inflammatory rhetoric – are (or should be) an alarm we can’t snooze or shut off. Because it underscores the urgency for awareness, education, and ACTION.
Standing by in silence or indecision or doing the bare minimum isn’t just apathy; it’s complicity in maintaining a status quo that excludes and diminishes. And I refuse to believe that’s a choice you – or any organization – consciously and intentionally wants to make.
This is your call: to stand up, use your voice, and make moves that matter.
Let’s connect, strategize, map out a plan, and get moving toward a culture of genuine inclusion. For ALL the beautiful brains and unique neural wirings out there. Because it’s not just about being on the right side of history. It’s about actively shaping a future where EVERY mind and neural wiring is recognized as a strength, not a stigma.
Be the shift. And know I’m here to help.
March 18, 2024
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